Todd Kuckkahn: Start of school year a good time to reflect on mission

As I am writing this, tents, tables, chairs, auction items, carnival rides and everything else is being set up in anticipation of Panacea, the annual Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools festival, fundraiser and fun-raiser. If you didn't make it this year, mark the weekend after Labor Day 2014 on your calendar.

With the start of the school year, we reflect on the brevity of the summer and the renewed spirit of all those involved with a quality Catholic education. During the summer and as school starts, we also reflect on our mission and why we are here as an important part of the central Wisconsin community. Our mission clearly states, "SPACS, in an environment of Christ-centered faith, worship and service, enriches the development of each student through academic and co-curricular excellence, in partnership with family, parish and community.

Faith is the cornerstone of our mission. Bishop William Francis Callahan recently shared a beginning-of-the-year message to the diocesan education system. Rather than reinventing the wheel, I thought I would share his words of wisdom that he shared in an Aug. 29 blog. It captures the SPACS spirit.

"Summer vacation is over. I say it sadly since it means snow will be flying sooner than later. In spite of the fact that our poor children had to return to school in some of the hottest weather we've had all summer, we know that soon the leaves will be turning, and heavy sweaters and coats will be the order of the day. Time to get back to the books and the work of education.

"Education is work in which we are all involved. Parents, pastors, administrators, educators, staff and children - we all have work to do. Most of the "heavy lifting" in this area is still borne by school tuition and parish investments, assisting parents in fulfilling their obligation to educate their children in the Catholic school while maintaining the highest standards of excellence that have always been the hallmark of Catholic education throughout the ages.

"You all know, and have heard me say many times before, that our Catholic schools are part of the mission of evangelization in the Church. We pride ourselves, further, on the fact that our Catholic schools are, and have been for years, at the forefront of academic excellence, maintaining the highest standards for quality education in elementary and, in particular, secondary education.

"Throughout the diocese, I am seeing great efforts being taken by so many inside and outside the educational community to support and promote Catholic schools. New schools are opening, and existing schools are modernizing and expanding their buildings. Enrollments are creeping up in slow and positive directions. I am even speaking with our seminarians to hear, who among them may be interested in going on for further study in education and administration. These efforts are part of our strategic diocesan planning for the future and I am happy to say that this part of the planning seems bright.

"I have said to you many times over that I am a great supporter of Catholic education and, particularly, Catholic schools. With Doctor Susan Holman, our superintendent of schools, and our superb teachers and administrators, I am certain that as our schools open this fall it will be with a new hope and positive approach to the proclamation of the faith and the education of our children. Through our strong families, good parishes and vibrant schools, we will create in our diocese a culture of life that will produce good citizens and healthy and holy human beings."

Well said, Bishop Callahan. Have a great year, everyone.

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Todd Kuckkahn: Start of school year a good time to reflect on mission

As I am writing this, tents, tables, chairs, auction items, carnival rides and everything else is being set up in anticipation of Panacea, the annual Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools festival,

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